Rivian Will Market Its Adorable Electric Vans to Companies Other Than Amazon Now

      Amazon provided funding for the development of Rivian's electric delivery van and requested a four-year exclusivity agreement in return. This contract, which began in 2021, restricted Rivian from selling vans to any buyer other than Amazon. The agreement was terminated in 2023, earlier than expected, allowing Rivian to accept orders from any customer. However, buyers must be fleet operators.

      The vans designed for fleets resemble those already in use by Amazon delivery drivers over the past couple of years. They also feature similar essentials, including LED headlights, a rear door that lifts, a large touchscreen, and a configurable cargo area. While some vans will be used in delivery services, others are expected to be utilized by electricians, plumbers, and construction workers, highlighting the importance of versatility. Rivian has stated it will offer various options, including shelving and flooring.

      Rivian offers two variants of the van on its website, named Delivery 500 and Delivery 700. The Delivery 500, priced at $79,900, includes 487 cubic feet of cargo capacity, a payload of 2,663 pounds, and a range of 161 miles. While not classified as "long-range," this should suffice for drivers mainly operating in larger urban areas. The Delivery 700, priced at $83,900, is a larger version with 652 cubic feet of cargo space, a payload of 2,258 pounds, and a range of 160 miles. Both models have a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,500 pounds.

      As of now, the only significant purchase agreement announced by Rivian was made with AT&T in 2023, which indicated its intention to buy electric vans as part of a pilot program to assess the integration of EVs into its fleet. Details regarding the number of vans to be purchased or whether any deliveries have been made have not been disclosed. The United States Postal Service also tested Rivian vans in early 2024 as part of a pilot program but did not place an order.

      By expanding into fleet sales, Rivian directly competes with Chevrolet, which offers the BrightDrop van targeted at fleet buyers. The BrightDrop also comes in both short and long wheelbase variants, starting at $77,900, featuring 412 cubic feet of cargo space, a payload of 3,710 pounds, and a range of 159 miles.

      Rivian has yet to announce when or if it will make the delivery van available for private purchasers.

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